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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

I've been getting a lot more sewing time than I expected this summer but it tends to come in short intervals. Since it's easier to use these windows of time to move things along than to plan something new I decided that in August I'd focus on tackling my UFO pile.

I made this top during my Plus Quilt obsession and quilted the center section while on retreat but then dropped it in the pile when I got back.

The amazing Alexis shared her tip for using varying widths of painters tape for marking straight lines at our JulyBoston MQG meeting. The key is to use the edge of your presser foot against the tape rather than sewing along the tape. Quilting all those straight lines in the negative space can get tedious but it's perfect for dropping in and sewing a line or two when I've got 15 minutes to spare.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Back in May I started this version of Amy Butler's Weekender for the class I taught at Quilter's Way. I had this fabulous Dear Stella Anchors Away and matching striped canvas in my stash which is perfect for my current addiction to all things nautical. I finished this up and have been using it ever since. It's the perfect size for a quick getaway!

When I made my Where in the World Weekender I followed the pattern exactly but this time I tried a few things that made life easier. For the zipper panel I used Decor-Bond rather than 3 layers of ShapeFlex. Life's too short for all that cutting and ironing:-) I also go smart and when I taped my zipper down I moved the tape to the outer edge of the zipper. It's still stuck in place but I didn't have to worry about sewing through the tape.

For the inside I used this fun ikat I also found in my stash. I used the awesome tutorial at U-Handbag to add a zippered pocket. I added ShapeFlex to the lining pieces to give the bag more structure.

I also copied the side pockets from the outside on the inside. They are perfect for stashing flip flops and I always need more pockets!

I thought I might hand quilt this but then we had a rainy day in Maine and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to try machine quilting with Aurifil 12wt. Based on Angela at Cut to Pieces' tips I used coordinating 50wt thread in the bobbin, increased my stitch length to 4, and used a 90/14 quilting needle. It took a little adjusting to get the tension correct but once I had it right it looked fabulous. I love the extra definition it adds!

I was planning to use pink for the binding but my peanut gallery insisted on kelly green which of course I already had in my stash. It was definitely the right call, it perfectly frames the quilt and looks fabulous with the Riley Blake large gingham backing I picked up at Marden's.

The pattern will be available Monday, August 4th and Elizabeth is hosting a giveaway this weekend so hop over here to enter to win a copy of the pattern and her new Kona charm packs. Thanks again Elizabeth for letting my test this pattern!!!